ask: gross hydroneprosis with thinned out parenchyma

Hi Anon

Thanks for your post and congratulations on your pregnancy!

Hydronephrosis occurs when urine builds up in the kidneys and cannot drain out to the bladder. The kidneys swell from the excess urine. The condition may affect one kidney or both. Hydronephrosis is not a disease itself, but rather a sign of another disease or condition affecting the kidneys. Swelling of the kidneys can lead to kidney damage.

This can be a serious condition that requires care from your doctor.

But some good news is that it can be caused by pregnancy itself and it may resolve itself once your baby is born.

Treatment will vary due to your pregnancy. Treatment can include:

• Draining excess urine from the kidney
• Removing the blockage
• Treating conditions that cause blockage or reflux
• Treating infections in the urinary system

Some causes of hydronephrosis resolve without treatment (such as pregnancy and kidney stones ).

Treatment options include:

• Antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections
• Medications (eg, anticholinergic drugs) to treat neurogenic bladder
• Catheter inserted into the bladder to drain the urine
• Nephrostomy (a tube inserted into an opening in the midsection to drain urine from the kidney)
• Surgery to remove a blockage or correct a defect in the urinary system
• Surgery to remove part or all of the kidney (rare)

Babies born with conditions that cause hydronephrosis are monitored to see if they will need treatment. Care of such babies involves:

• Regular visits to the doctor
• A special doctor who treats children with inborn urinary problems
• Antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections
• Possible surgery to correct the problem

I know this is a lot of information but you need to talk directly to your doctor about this - only he or she can guide you with regard to your individual case.

We wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy!

Susan